What happens when the place that inspires grit and community fails to take care of the people who bring it to life?

As climbing has exploded in popularity, so too have climbing gyms sprouted up all over the United States. But with this rapid growth comes a crucial, often overlooked need: genuinely effective management that supports the very staff keeping these gyms running. Unfortunately, it’s pretty standard for gym employees to encounter lackluster communication and inadequate support from those in charge. And while snagging a free membership is a cool perk—especially when gym prices are hitting the roof—it's not enough to make up for the broader challenges that come with the job, such as low pay, irregular hours, and insufficient benefits.

Observations from Inside the Gym

Step into most climbing gyms across the country and you'll notice a trend: many of the folks keeping things running are young, often juggling college classes or grinding through their first real job. But when you consider that climbing gym memberships can reach up to $150 a month in some areas, it raises a significant question: Is it fair to underpay the very people who are the backbone of these establishments? Sure, running a gym isn’t cheap—the overheads can be massive—but that doesn’t justify the low wages that lead to high staff turnover, creating widespread distrust in management. As someone who regularly frequents climbing gyms, I’ve seen firsthand how this revolving door can disrupt the whole vibe and operation. For many, the gym serves as a third space, a home away from home where members not only climb but also find climbing partners, forge friendships, and sometimes even spark romance. When these familiar faces are constantly changing, it disrupts the sense of community that makes these places uniquely enjoyable.

Personal Encounters and Disillusionment

My time working in three different climbing gyms across the Western United States has been eye-opening. I’ve sat down and talked with numerous coworkers and employees from other gyms I’ve visited, and I've often walked away feeling let down. We’re part of a community that prides itself on inclusivity and positivity, yet the reality inside these gyms often tells a different story.

One front desk staff member at a gym in San Luis Obispo shared his perspective with me, asking to remain anonymous:

“Originally, I was drawn to work at a climbing gym because I wanted to be more involved in the climbing community, which is super welcoming and fun. In this aspect, my love for the community has not changed, and I enjoy creating a fun environment at the gym and interacting with climbers and friends, as well as meeting new people on the job. But if I ever leave, I’d be very cautious about where I choose to work next, especially with corporate leadership.”

He also mentioned how the gym management called ongoing issues a 'transition phase' while they focused on expanding to a new location in New York. It seemed like a convenient excuse rather than a valid reason. With management’s focus shifted across the country, support for their most profitable gym dwindled, leaving them understaffed and struggling.

When I asked the employee if he’d noticed a high turnover rate among staff, he didn’t hesitate:

“I have noticed a high turnover rate. One main reason is that working at a gym doesn’t feel sustainable long-term because of the low pay and lack of full-time positions. Another reason is the poor relationships with management; staff end up being forced out even if they still love the gym and community.”

This isn’t just about being short-staffed. He went on to explain how early closures and late openings were sometimes necessary due to understaffing or because employees couldn’t make their shifts due to school conflicts, even though management had been informed of their schedules. This impacted not just employees but also the members who paid nearly $100 monthly for access, including the ability to climb at later hours. At another gym in Nevada, I met an employee who juggled multiple roles—front desk staff, instructor, graphic designer, and marketer. As he showed me T-shirts, hoodies, and stickers he’d designed for the gym, I asked him, “How much do you get paid, and do you feel like management recognizes your work?”

“I get paid $13.50, which is just over Nevada’s minimum wage. I’ve asked for more, but it gets brushed off pretty quickly. I know I should be paid more, but I love this place and have been coming here since I was 13. Honestly, it doesn’t always feel like they care—I’ve asked for supplies or small changes to make my job easier, but it’s like they have more important things to do.”

This recurring pattern has real consequences. When management neglects its staff, service quality declines, resulting in low morale and a less fulfilling experience for gym-goers. As gyms become more corporate, decision-makers sometimes know more about spreadsheets than climbing itself, creating a disconnect between corporate goals and the needs of gym staff.

Why This Needs to Change

This whole ignoring-the-staff thing? Turns out, it’s not just a downer for gym vibes—it’s actually bad for business, too. After some research, it's clear as day: the better we treat our employees, the happier our customers tend to be. What a shocker. Take a page from studies done on places a lot like climbing gyms—fitness and athletic centers. Here’s the kicker: when employees are stoked about their jobs, the chance of members sticking around shoots up—research shows a massive 70% of members keep coming back, all thanks to satisfied staff. So yeah, keeping your team happy isn't just nice, it's smart business.

And here’s the thing—as climbers, whether we’re cranking on plastic holds indoors or crushing routes in Yosemite, we have the power to change things. We’ve got to stand up for what’s right in climbing gyms, no matter if you're there as a first-timer or training for your next outdoor project. This means pushing for fair wages, solid training, and a culture where everyone is respected and valued. It’s on us to back gyms that go beyond just being a cool spot to train; they need to reflect the strong values the climbing community is associated with.

Let's push to make our climbing gyms as awesome and enjoyable for the staff as they are for the members. It’s about building a team that genuinely cares, starting with management and ownership. It's about more than just the bottom line. As a community of athletes, adventurers, and misfits, it's not just about surviving—it's about ensuring these facilities thrive for everyone.

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